Some Things to Consider in Facility Safety Programs

Facility security programs are essential to identifying, managing and mitigating a variety of risks, ensuring regulatory compliance and integrating security into broader management processes.

By Greg Zigulis
Sep 10, 2024

Those responsible for facility management want to make sure they are doing the right things to comply with safety regulations while also effectively managing other responsibilities. And they often ask, “What should we be doing?” Some may even wonder if facility security should be a priority. The real threats come primarily from operational processes, right? Wrong!

There are many aspects and nuances to facility safety. For example, there may be hazards to employees who maintain facilities. There may be hazards resulting from the presence, absence, or condition of physical structures, walkways, and things related to the overall safety of users and visitors. However, other hazards to facilities may result from ongoing operations, such as forklift movement and loading, facility traffic, and warehousing issues.

Let’s discuss identifying threats and requirements, some general issues, and some issues that deserve special attention.

Ways to approach the issue of facility security

First, how can someone know what to look out for and what requirements apply?

The technical answers to OSHA requirements depend on the industry in which the organization operates, the exact processes and operations, the tasks performed by the workers, the location of the work, and other factors. There may be hazards for which there is no specific OSHA standard, but an employer is obligated to protect workers under the general duty clause of the OSH Act (or its state equivalents), section 5(a)(1). It requires employers to provide a work environment free from recognized hazards that have the potential to cause death or serious physical harm.

Organizations should have processes in place to identify what hazards may exist, what OSHA regulations apply, and what hazards may be newly created. Do you see things that, if something goes wrong, could cause someone to get hurt?

To learn more about common OSHA citations, you can search osha.gov using NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes.

You can find targeted safety checklists online and begin learning more about what may apply. Many state OSHA program websites have excellent information and checklists. Industry publications often discuss hazards, upcoming regulations, and trends. Some companies offer inspection and audit software that can be customized to your situation. There are also online subscriptions that provide checklists, technical information, discussion forums, and other services.

This article originally appeared in the September 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.